Specifically, doctors at Moses Taylor Hospital discovered that Louis had a coarctation of the aorta, a severe narrowing of the aorta between the upper-body artery branches and the branches to the lower body. The condition caused a decrease in the infant’s blood flow.

Moments after the discovery, Louis was airlifted to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville where a team of doctors waited to perform heart surgery.

“We weren’t allowed in the helicopter, we had to drive,” Mr. DiMattio said.

The three-hour-plus drive had begun to seem like three days as the couple frantically rushed to be by their baby’s side.

When they arrived at Geisinger, Mr. and Mrs. DiMattio were greeted by the sight of their 2-week-old son attached to a machine with about 18 separate tubes running into his tiny torso.

Though the words went unspoken, the couple later admitted that their thoughts were as grave as their fears were haunting.

“We had three priests come to the hospital, we wanted to make sure to have Louis baptized,” Mrs. DiMattio said.

While trying to comfort his wife and keep family members back at home informed of Louis’ condition, Mr. DiMattio said he would pace the hospital almost nonstop, at times finding an Internet connection to surf the Web. Eventually, he said, the men’s bathroom became his sanctuary, a place where he’d break down.

“I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “I couldn’t let my wife see me break down because she was already dealing with so much. She never left Louis’ side.”

Doctors eventually removed the blockage using balloon dilation.

The family said overwhelming support from relatives, the immediate realization by Louis’ pediatrician that something was wrong, and the rapid response from doctors at Moses Taylor and Geisinger hospitals made a harrowing situation a bit bearable.

Also, they said, assistance from the Ronald McDonald House was a key factor in their ability to cope and little Louis proved to be a good patient.

“He’s good,” the now smiling mom said, recapping the nightmare of an experience with her precious bundle of joy. “He is so helpful and it’s no problem watching his diet. He loves M & Ms and chocolate, so we give him dark chocolate and we give him fresh food from the garden, whole-wheat toast with margarine and not butter and frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.”

In fact, Mr. DiMattio said, Louis has recovered so well, doctors have placed no restrictions on his activity and have even said he will probably be able to play sports.

“We have one cardiologist who does worry about (recurring) problems and one cardiologist who isn’t worried,” Mr. DiMattio said.

The couple agreed that good fortune had smiled upon them.

They still worry, like any parent would, but the fear that gripped them on that forgettable and cold January night three years ago, is no longer evident.

“I wear sunglasses while I’m watching him build a sand castle and play with the dogs in the yard,” Mr. DiMattio said. “I wear them only because I still get a little teary-eyed.”